Removes the outer skin or covering from something, usually fruit or vegetables; also to come off in thin strips or flakes.
From Old French 'peler,' meaning to strip of hair or skin. Related to Latin 'pilare' (to depilate), which connects to 'pilus' (hair). The meaning stayed consistent for 800+ years.
Bananas peel themselves while apples require a knife—this difference shaped human tool use. Fruit that peels easily naturally became domesticated because early humans could actually eat them without cooking.
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